Sprucing up

Commission plans to clean up entrance to town

The Economic Development Commission is planning to spruce up this berm between the Route 8 exit and entrance ramps at Exit 24 in Beacon Falls. –LUKE MARSHALL

BEACON FALLS — Motorists who get off exit 24 on Route 8 may be in for a pleasant surprise in the coming months.

Economic Development Commission Chairman Jeremy Rodorigo said the grassy berm between the exit and entrance ramps will be receiving a makeover.

Currently there is a sign that reads: “Welcome to Beacon Falls” that greets motorists exiting the highway.

According to Rodorigo the sign was donated by the Murtha Industrial Park about 10 years ago and is due to be replaced.

Rodorigo said vehicles sometimes park on that grassy area or use it as a quick turn-around, which has caused it to look worn down.

“What we wanted to do was, in addition to replacing that sign, the town will take over maintenance from the sign to Main Street. We’re going to beautify that area because it looks like a mess,” Rodorigo said.

Rodorigo said the town will create a small berm on that area and plant hardy trees or shrubs.

The town is still waiting on the proper permits from the Connecticut Department of Transportation before moving forward, Rodorigo said.

Once it has those it will begin working with nurseries to find out what will grow best in that area and what will be easiest for the town’s Department of Public Works to maintain.

Rodorigo said he expects to have the plantings in place by late summer.

“When you get off the ramp it’s something a lot more pleasing to the eye than a bunch of weeds and dirt,” Rodorigo said.